By CESAR JOLITO III
The Sagay City government has ordered a comprehensive review of river safety measures and emergency response protocols following the deaths of two Grade 10 students who were swept away by flash floods in the Himogaan River, Barangay Malubon.
Mayor Leo Rafael “Bebo” Cueva issued the directive after authorities concluded a three-day joint search, rescue and retrieval operation from January 9 to 11 that involved the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and other response agencies.
He also directed city offices and barangay officials to strengthen preventive measures, including clearer warning systems, stricter monitoring of river activities, and intensified public information campaigns, particularly during the rainy season.
Cueva stressed the need to improve early warning coordination between upland and lowland barangays to ensure that sudden changes in river conditions are quickly communicated.
City officials said the review will also cover river access points, safety signage and community-based monitoring mechanisms to prevent similar tragedies.
On January 9, 10 students went to the river to celebrate a birthday. Heavy rainfall in upstream mountainous areas triggered a sudden flash flood, catching the group off guard.
While eight students managed to reach the riverbank, two male students, aged 16 and 15, were carried away by strong currents.
Rescuers recovered the first victim on January 11 at around 10:00 a.m. at Fabrica Wharf through the efforts of Bantay Suba volunteers from Barangay Paraiso.
The second victim was found later that night, at about 11:00 p.m., in Sitio Dukol-Dukol, Barangay Himogaan Baybay, several kilometers downstream from the incident site.
The Sagay CDRRMO said the operation tested the physical and emotional endurance of responders, who worked under difficult conditions until all possible efforts were exhausted.
The agency appealed for responsible public discourse, noting that emergency teams operate under established protocols and continuous training in complex and unpredictable environments.
Cueva expressed condolences to the families and said the city shares in their grief over the loss of young lives.
He reaffirmed the city government’s commitment to learning from the incident, supporting first responders, and strengthening disaster preparedness to better protect communities./CJ, WDJ